6 Ways To Channel Your Favorite Style Icon

There’s a reason why portraits of Audrey Hepburn and Bianca Jagger are still iconic today. The stylish ladies of decades past had that certain je ne sais quoi, non? Fortunately for us, we can all learn to embody that effortless appeal in fresh, updated ways.

Let’s kick it old school for a moment (glass of red wine optional) and take some serious style notes from those who knew best—from Brigitte Bardot’s hourglass silhouette dresses to Diana Vreeland’s unmistakeable hue of choice, click through below to absorb the cool.

Josephine Baker was the It-girl of the early 20th century. She was born in America, but swiftly relocated to Paris, where she became famous as a dancer and actress. Remember the Charleston? Yeah, all her. Ernest Hemingway even called the starlet “the most sensational woman anyone ever saw.” While her signature banana skirt may not be a wearable option for all of us, Baker was rarely seen without layers of pearls. Now that'sa trend we can get behind.

Wearing pants right now? You might want to thank this lady. Known as much for her fierce and independent persona off-screen, this actress pushed boundaries by wearing menswear pieces in a time when pants were exclusively reserved for the boys. Want to copycat this elegant icon? Her wide-leg trousers are having a serious comeback right now, and they’re callin’ your name.

The film bombshell, dancer, and songbird inspired an entire generation worldwide. Bardot's style may have changed over the years from the sweet charm of the ‘50s to the graphic and bold geometrics of the ‘60s; however, she was continually photographed wearing one silhouette in particular: the fit-and-flare dress. This style has hardly gone anywhere (just take a peek at Dior’s most recent show), and for good reason–the classic shape is über-flattering.

The mod squad aesthetic of the ‘60s was championed by this famous model and actress. Moffitt’s famous Vidal Sassoon bowl cut became du rigueur in the editorial world, while her modeling of the first-ever monokini made waves around the globe. Her sleek separates and graphic black-and-white wardrobe were ahead of their time, and still add modern sophistication to any ensemble.

The woman who actually gave the go-ahead on that monokini we mentioned? Vreeland. The famous style maven is still a source of inspiration for countless figures in the design world. This former editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue saw no virtue in being bland. Vreeland was also notorious for her love of a certain hue: “All my life I’ve pursued the perfect red. I can never get painters to mix it for me…they have no idea what I’m talking about.” Bonus: Wearing the bold hue may boost your chances for finding summer love.

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This covergirl and actress embodied carefree style of the ‘70s. Many of the decade’s trends most remembered today were first debuted on this leading lady, from tall white patent boots to colorful flowing maxi dresses. She captured the hearts of the entire country, and the likes of Steve McQueen. Might we suggest featuring some of her greatest hits in your summer wardrobe? Try a swirling, colorful paisley or bandana-print to score instant cool-vibes. Middle part highly encouraged.